I struggle everyday to work so I can support my family but when I get home the only thing I can do is lay down because of the pain instead of actually seeing them. I have a few disk buldges and one bad herniation I also have psudeo tumor crebri also known as intercrainial hypertension. I cant keep this up, what is the next step when you cant work as much? I have spoken to a surgeon and he recommends removing the one herniation but says it wont help with the other issues and pain I have from those other issues and because the herniation has been there for over 4 years the chances of success with that surgery is decreased. I live in Ontario Canada and have no clue what help is out there for me seeing as I can not work full time hours anylonger. Has anyone had to stop working due to pain and if so what did you do financially?

Hi, I am on the waiting list for the pain management clinic. When I last called they were looking at getting me in in September 2010. They do have me on the cancellation list. I was also to see my family Dr and he said he would follow up with them as well. My neurologist and family Dr have me on several medication, some of which make it hard to focus at work as well. I take oxy when I can but it is hard to work on these T-3's daily and gabapenton daily as well as ethacrynic acid daily, naproxin which i take on and off as it hurts my stomach if i take it too much and a muscle relaxant to help me sleep. I have been in physio, massage therapy, deep muscle release and chiropractic for a couple of years. I did stop physio as it made me worse and stopped massages as well because of back tenderness. The chiro using decompression worked the best but my work only covers up to so much and I cant afford more teatment. I dont know what else to try and I just cant keep working so much its making me worse and i have nothing left for my kids after a day at work. On the other hand being a single parent I cant afford not to work ( crying ) I dont know what to do Sorry if I sound whiney I know there are others out there in pain as well I just dont know what to do, Its just us there is no one else to help out I need to find out who to ask to find what resources are out there to help

Hi, I am on the waiting list for the pain management clinic. When I last called they were looking at getting me in in September 2010. They do have me on the cancellation list. I was also to see my family Dr and he said he would follow up with them as well. My neurologist and family Dr have me on several medication, some of which make it hard to focus at work as well. I take oxy when I can but it is hard to work on these T-3's daily and gabapenton daily as well as ethacrynic acid daily, naproxin which i take on and off as it hurts my stomach if i take it too much and a muscle relaxant to help me sleep. I have been in physio, massage therapy, deep muscle release and chiropractic for a couple of years. I did stop physio as it made me worse and stopped massages as well because of back tenderness. The chiro using decompression worked the best but my work only covers up to so much and I cant afford more teatment. I dont know what else to try and I just cant keep working so much its making me worse and i have nothing left for my kids after a day at work. On the other hand being a single parent I cant afford not to work ( crying ) I dont know what to do Sorry if I sound whiney I know there are others out there in pain as well I just dont know what to do, Its just us there is no one else to help out I need to find out who to ask to find what resources are out there to help

Do they know you are unable to work? Have you checked with local government agencies?

While I have nothing against chiropractors, I would be extremely hesitant to have adjustments in the presence of bulging discs since the adjustments may aggravate existing inflammation. Could eliminating the chiropractor ease the inflammation, give you more time with your family and more time to rest and recover from the work day?

Do they know you are unable to work? Have you checked with local government agencies?

While I have nothing against chiropractors, I would be extremely hesitant to have adjustments in the presence of bulging discs since the adjustments may aggravate existing inflammation. Could eliminating the chiropractor ease the inflammation, give you more time with your family and more time to rest and recover from the work day?

Since my coverage ran out I havent seen the chiro but when I was seeing him he was not doing back adjustments just SIJ and decompression buy putting a strap under my legs and around himself and leaning back to stretch me out. Im not sure what to say and who to call . I will be making a family Dr app and seeing what he suggests but he doesnt seem to be very forth coming with ideas. Im not sure he quite understands my pain and I know he doesnt believe in pain killers

Since my coverage ran out I havent seen the chiro but when I was seeing him he was not doing back adjustments just SIJ and decompression buy putting a strap under my legs and around himself and leaning back to stretch me out. Im not sure what to say and who to call . I will be making a family Dr app and seeing what he suggests but he doesnt seem to be very forth coming with ideas. Im not sure he quite understands my pain and I know he doesnt believe in pain killers

I live in Ontario as well and even have family who work for Services Canada in disability. Do you have a short or long term disability benefit at work? Those would be your first line of attack but you need your doctor on board. If not, and in addition (depends on your coverage) you can get sick benefits from EI and then look at long term disability. You can't apply for disability until you have quit work so you must talk to your doctor first and work closely with him when putting in your claim. Good luck.

I live in Ontario as well and even have family who work for Services Canada in disability. Do you have a short or long term disability benefit at work? Those would be your first line of attack but you need your doctor on board. If not, and in addition (depends on your coverage) you can get sick benefits from EI and then look at long term disability. You can't apply for disability until you have quit work so you must talk to your doctor first and work closely with him when putting in your claim. Good luck.

Trudie, Thank you so much for responding. I actually do not know what my work offers for sick leave. I do know they are aware of my situation and are border line not treating me well. I think they have started to look for reasons to dismiss me. My one district manager has even asked me for a FAF to "protect the company" she said. Thank you again responding at lest now I have some idea where to start.

Trudie, Thank you so much for responding. I actually do not know what my work offers for sick leave. I do know they are aware of my situation and are border line not treating me well. I think they have started to look for reasons to dismiss me. My one district manager has even asked me for a FAF to "protect the company" she said. Thank you again responding at lest now I have some idea where to start.

I'm am sorry that you are unable to work due to the pain. I know how you feel as I have been where you are. It's not a good place to be.

I am also sorry I cannot help with rules or laws in Canada. In the USA I would suggest that you apply for SSDI. I am glad that Trudie was able to help you. I think we have other members that are from Canada also.

I suggest you check with your local country agencies. They may be able to assist you also.

I'm am sorry that you are unable to work due to the pain. I know how you feel as I have been where you are. It's not a good place to be.

I am also sorry I cannot help with rules or laws in Canada. In the USA I would suggest that you apply for SSDI. I am glad that Trudie was able to help you. I think we have other members that are from Canada also.

I suggest you check with your local country agencies. They may be able to assist you also.

so I went to the doctor and he has me off work and wants to see me back the first week in March. He told me to get a short term dissability from from my work book my surgery. I have to use up all the work insurance then I can apply for unemployment benifits. He says the surgery will not get rid of my pain just bring it to a lower level. I e-mailed my boss and phoned him and also talked to my other managers to let them know what was going on. My boss has not called me back, it went straight to answering machine. My injury was due to car acciden so I let my Lawyer know i am off work. I really hope my work is some what understanding but I dont think so. I am the GM and I have seen them push out people they are not happy with. Surgery, no work, loss of income and still will have pain..Scary stuff all the way around. Through all this I have held it together but I think I may be starting to get a little depressed.

so I went to the doctor and he has me off work and wants to see me back the first week in March. He told me to get a short term dissability from from my work book my surgery. I have to use up all the work insurance then I can apply for unemployment benifits. He says the surgery will not get rid of my pain just bring it to a lower level. I e-mailed my boss and phoned him and also talked to my other managers to let them know what was going on. My boss has not called me back, it went straight to answering machine. My injury was due to car acciden so I let my Lawyer know i am off work. I really hope my work is some what understanding but I dont think so. I am the GM and I have seen them push out people they are not happy with. Surgery, no work, loss of income and still will have pain..Scary stuff all the way around. Through all this I have held it together but I think I may be starting to get a little depressed.

The company has to follow the rules now. With your note from the doctor saying you have to be off they can't fire you. They are just pissed that they may have higher insurance rates because of your claim and for the inconvenience. Watch your mood. It is very common and very easy to get depressed when you are living with chronic pain and dealing with life changing events. Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about that and get something to help.

The company has to follow the rules now. With your note from the doctor saying you have to be off they can't fire you. They are just pissed that they may have higher insurance rates because of your claim and for the inconvenience. Watch your mood. It is very common and very easy to get depressed when you are living with chronic pain and dealing with life changing events. Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about that and get something to help.

Trudie, thanks for responding again, funny but the responses relly help I didnt realize how much I needed to talk to people who are going issues as well. My boss always answers his phone but it took me 3 calls to his answering machine before he got back to me. When he finally returned my call he was distant so your right hes pissed and he asked me to send him an e-mail about the situation. But you are right again they have to follow the rules now. I will watch my mood as i seem to be crying unexpectedly and randomly something as simple as reading a message can set me off I have not experienced this before. My lawyer has set up a physiatry assesment next week and Im not sure what to expect or what it is exactly but I hope this new cryine phase im in doesnt make me look bad.

Trudie, thanks for responding again, funny but the responses relly help I didnt realize how much I needed to talk to people who are going issues as well. My boss always answers his phone but it took me 3 calls to his answering machine before he got back to me. When he finally returned my call he was distant so your right hes pissed and he asked me to send him an e-mail about the situation. But you are right again they have to follow the rules now. I will watch my mood as i seem to be crying unexpectedly and randomly something as simple as reading a message can set me off I have not experienced this before. My lawyer has set up a physiatry assesment next week and Im not sure what to expect or what it is exactly but I hope this new cryine phase im in doesnt make me look bad.

Well my company does not have short term diability only long term. So I have to have 2 weeks off work then I can collect EI (Employment insurance) for a certain number of weeks and then my work will kick in with long term. They will have to hold my job for 6 months. I believe they will be offering me a modified return to work. Basically they make an offer of what they think I can do say like 3 hours a day just administrative things in the office ( usually im on my feet for 8 hours and office maybe 1-2 I am a general manager of a resturant ) I then have to have it approved by my doctor. If it is approved by my doctor and I decline they can accept that as my resignation. If it is declined by my doctor then I am off work untill his stated time. Im learning about this process and I am sure when I look back there is going to be things I should have done diffrent but there isnt a guide to this so I'll just do my best to do the right thing. I have seen before in this company if some one hasnt called in or been incontact on a daily basis they get really cranky. So I am keeping copies of everything, phone logs and emailing. I have faxed in my doctors note to my boss the DM ( district manager / director of operations) and to HR and will call EI today to find out what to do with them as my info came from my HR.

I have to say I am glad to be a Canadian with our health insurance here. I have read so many post about people who cant get treatment because of insurance. We have so many things here I am finding out. Some are difficult to access im told but there is still help out there.

Well my company does not have short term diability only long term. So I have to have 2 weeks off work then I can collect EI (Employment insurance) for a certain number of weeks and then my work will kick in with long term. They will have to hold my job for 6 months. I believe they will be offering me a modified return to work. Basically they make an offer of what they think I can do say like 3 hours a day just administrative things in the office ( usually im on my feet for 8 hours and office maybe 1-2 I am a general manager of a resturant ) I then have to have it approved by my doctor. If it is approved by my doctor and I decline they can accept that as my resignation. If it is declined by my doctor then I am off work untill his stated time. Im learning about this process and I am sure when I look back there is going to be things I should have done diffrent but there isnt a guide to this so I'll just do my best to do the right thing. I have seen before in this company if some one hasnt called in or been incontact on a daily basis they get really cranky. So I am keeping copies of everything, phone logs and emailing. I have faxed in my doctors note to my boss the DM ( district manager / director of operations) and to HR and will call EI today to find out what to do with them as my info came from my HR.

I have to say I am glad to be a Canadian with our health insurance here. I have read so many post about people who cant get treatment because of insurance. We have so many things here I am finding out. Some are difficult to access im told but there is still help out there.

It sounds like you are doing all the right things. Documentation is very valuable. As a former Corp HR Director I know how a company can find "holes" to dismiss someone that they feel is no longer an asset. I was fortunate to work for a wonderful family that bent over backwards to maintain good employees even through illness and disabilities.

Yes in the USA many of us go without medical treatment or care.because we lack the funds to pay for the sky-rocketing costs of insurance. I am blessed that I have insurance. When I could no longer maintain employment my husband, a VP placed me on his insurance plan.

It is getting better in places. In my state their is a state insurance available to many that are without or unable to obtain it. Cost is dependant upon income. So there are changes mostly at the state level.

The federally proposed medical care program has been filled with controversy and challenges that the political parties cannot seem to agree upon. In the meantime ppl suffer with pain and illnesses or lose their lives because they cannot obtain care. I don't know the solution but something needs to change and change soon.

Please keep us informed as to your progress and how things are going for you.

It sounds like you are doing all the right things. Documentation is very valuable. As a former Corp HR Director I know how a company can find "holes" to dismiss someone that they feel is no longer an asset. I was fortunate to work for a wonderful family that bent over backwards to maintain good employees even through illness and disabilities.

Yes in the USA many of us go without medical treatment or care.because we lack the funds to pay for the sky-rocketing costs of insurance. I am blessed that I have insurance. When I could no longer maintain employment my husband, a VP placed me on his insurance plan.

It is getting better in places. In my state their is a state insurance available to many that are without or unable to obtain it. Cost is dependant upon income. So there are changes mostly at the state level.

The federally proposed medical care program has been filled with controversy and challenges that the political parties cannot seem to agree upon. In the meantime ppl suffer with pain and illnesses or lose their lives because they cannot obtain care. I don't know the solution but something needs to change and change soon.

Please keep us informed as to your progress and how things are going for you.

Well had another appointment today, physiatry. He says he aggres with my surgeon that I need surgery. I cant stand on my tip toes or heels and I have loss of muscle strength I also couldnt feel his sharp rolly thing on my feet. He says its because of nerve impingment or intrapment. I think at this point I am hearing the same thing over and over. SURGERY. Even at the hostilic wellness centre where they believe in "natural" cures and recovery the person I have been seeing for a couple of years said " I have never said this before but I think you need the surgery" LOL so Ok I get the hint. Seeing as my work doesnt have short term i have to get unemployment first. For this I need direct deposit from the bank then I need to get the forms have my DR fill out some sections and return them. It takes 4 weeks to start. YOu must have 2 weeks of unpaid work before you can collect. So I have to sit down figure out if I can go back to work on modified duties for a couple of weeks to save some money then collect the unemployment during the surgery. It seems its not as simple as saying Ok im taking some time off to heal myself. I have to make sure I have care at home my bills can get paid and my children will be taken care of. Seeing as I am a single mom with no other income I really have to plan this out. Seems like getting through a day is getting harder and harder to do with out breaking down. All i really want to do is ignore everything..unfortunatly pain will NOT be ignored so I have no choice but to plug on. Sorry if this seems rantish but when I started this post I was lost had no clue what to do and now i am learning and hope my steps might help some one else along their way.

Well had another appointment today, physiatry. He says he aggres with my surgeon that I need surgery. I cant stand on my tip toes or heels and I have loss of muscle strength I also couldnt feel his sharp rolly thing on my feet. He says its because of nerve impingment or intrapment. I think at this point I am hearing the same thing over and over. SURGERY. Even at the hostilic wellness centre where they believe in "natural" cures and recovery the person I have been seeing for a couple of years said " I have never said this before but I think you need the surgery" LOL so Ok I get the hint. Seeing as my work doesnt have short term i have to get unemployment first. For this I need direct deposit from the bank then I need to get the forms have my DR fill out some sections and return them. It takes 4 weeks to start. YOu must have 2 weeks of unpaid work before you can collect. So I have to sit down figure out if I can go back to work on modified duties for a couple of weeks to save some money then collect the unemployment during the surgery. It seems its not as simple as saying Ok im taking some time off to heal myself. I have to make sure I have care at home my bills can get paid and my children will be taken care of. Seeing as I am a single mom with no other income I really have to plan this out. Seems like getting through a day is getting harder and harder to do with out breaking down. All i really want to do is ignore everything..unfortunatly pain will NOT be ignored so I have no choice but to plug on. Sorry if this seems rantish but when I started this post I was lost had no clue what to do and now i am learning and hope my steps might help some one else along their way.

It will take some careful planning on your behalf but the end result will be worth it. I am glad to see that you are planning ahead and working things out so that things will be a little easier after the surgery.
I hope it goes well for you and remeber we are here for you:)

It will take some careful planning on your behalf but the end result will be worth it. I am glad to see that you are planning ahead and working things out so that things will be a little easier after the surgery.
I hope it goes well for you and remeber we are here for you:)

W#ell I go back to see the surgeon on April 6th and I get my surgery date then. I found out through EI that when you leave work on sick leave you do not need to wait the 2 weeks up paid if you have used up all your sick days through work. I also found out that I can leave on sick leave then if I have a drs note to go back to work on modified duties and hours I can switch my benifits to regular then I can switch back to sick leave when I have the surgery..Thank goodness I didnt know what I was going to do with no coverage if it takes a while for the surgery to be booked. Have to tell you i am so scared of being put to sleep and not waking up that I have days when im not sure if i am going to be able to go through with the surgery. Being off work has really helped my mental status but hasnt helped the physical other then I am not quite so exhausted. I feel so guilty not working and my kids keep asking me if we are going to be poor now but physically i just cant work full time. I am working a few hours a week and we will see how it goes.

Thank you every one for your posts it helps so much to just talk to you all and know some one out there cares...I hope you are all doing well

W#ell I go back to see the surgeon on April 6th and I get my surgery date then. I found out through EI that when you leave work on sick leave you do not need to wait the 2 weeks up paid if you have used up all your sick days through work. I also found out that I can leave on sick leave then if I have a drs note to go back to work on modified duties and hours I can switch my benifits to regular then I can switch back to sick leave when I have the surgery..Thank goodness I didnt know what I was going to do with no coverage if it takes a while for the surgery to be booked. Have to tell you i am so scared of being put to sleep and not waking up that I have days when im not sure if i am going to be able to go through with the surgery. Being off work has really helped my mental status but hasnt helped the physical other then I am not quite so exhausted. I feel so guilty not working and my kids keep asking me if we are going to be poor now but physically i just cant work full time. I am working a few hours a week and we will see how it goes.

Thank you every one for your posts it helps so much to just talk to you all and know some one out there cares...I hope you are all doing well

Hi,
It is nice to hear from you. I see you have surgery scheduled. It id frightening to think about being put to sleep but try and relax and not worry. I know that is easier said than done:)
How are you doing? Is your pain levels better than they were? I would try and find a PM doctor that can get you in sooner. I know you have the health care plan there in Canada and it is hard to get into see a specialist quickly but the wait is outrageous.
Try calling them every few days at least to see if there are any cancellations. If you call every week they will remember you first when they do have a cancellation.
I know it is hard for children to understand your pain and the financial situations. I am sure they do enjoy having you there more often since your not being able to work as much.
I will keep you in my prayers and hope the surgery goes well.
Try and relax and not get stressed out over it though. Stress adds to your pain levels ten fold!
We are here for you ,even if you just want to talk:)

Hi,
It is nice to hear from you. I see you have surgery scheduled. It id frightening to think about being put to sleep but try and relax and not worry. I know that is easier said than done:)
How are you doing? Is your pain levels better than they were? I would try and find a PM doctor that can get you in sooner. I know you have the health care plan there in Canada and it is hard to get into see a specialist quickly but the wait is outrageous.
Try calling them every few days at least to see if there are any cancellations. If you call every week they will remember you first when they do have a cancellation.
I know it is hard for children to understand your pain and the financial situations. I am sure they do enjoy having you there more often since your not being able to work as much.
I will keep you in my prayers and hope the surgery goes well.
Try and relax and not get stressed out over it though. Stress adds to your pain levels ten fold!
We are here for you ,even if you just want to talk:)

Don't feel like your the only one. I live in America. I too have a very bad back that is so bad I have a TLSO Brace and have missed a lot of work. My employer did all they could right up to the day they "eliminated' my position. Now I can't work and can't pay my bills. I am done trying to look for work. Have sent out over 500 Resume's in 3 months, had 4 interview and ZERO offers. Looking at applying for disability which takes about 2 years. Depression is a nightmare for me and my wife treats me like a 5-year old as she fears that I will harm myself. The only good thing is that all my children are raised and on their own. GOOD NEWS. . . THEY CAN"T EAT ME!

Don't feel like your the only one. I live in America. I too have a very bad back that is so bad I have a TLSO Brace and have missed a lot of work. My employer did all they could right up to the day they "eliminated' my position. Now I can't work and can't pay my bills. I am done trying to look for work. Have sent out over 500 Resume's in 3 months, had 4 interview and ZERO offers. Looking at applying for disability which takes about 2 years. Depression is a nightmare for me and my wife treats me like a 5-year old as she fears that I will harm myself. The only good thing is that all my children are raised and on their own. GOOD NEWS. . . THEY CAN"T EAT ME!

I struggle everyday to work so I can support my family but when I get home the only thing I can do is lay down because of the pain instead of actually seeing them. I have a few disk buldges and one bad herniation I also have psudeo tumor crebri also known as intercrainial hypertension. I cant keep this up, what is the next step when you cant work as much? I have spoken to a surgeon and he recommends removing the one herniation but says it wont help with the other issues and pain I have from those other issues and because the herniation has been there for over 4 years the chances of success with that surgery is decreased. I live in Ontario Canada and have no clue what help is out there for me seeing as I can not work full time hours anylonger. Has anyone had to stop working due to pain and if so what did you do financially?

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